I like watching TV at night. Nothing in particular has to be on…although that is a bonus. I just like laying on the couch wrapped up in a warm blanket, preferably eating popcorn or M & M’s, and flicking channels. Laying in this sloth-like state sure feels better in the moment than going out in the cold for a workout, or going out with friends or even staying under the blanket and reading a book. Can you relate?

I also like reading obituaries. I like to look at what people poured their life into and what gave it meaning, purpose and zest. You see a lot of energy and effort around time with family, friends and faith as well as hobbies of interest. Around here in Green Bay, Wisconsin, being a Packers fan makes a lot of lists. But as of yet, I never saw “she loved watching TV” on the list or “scrolling through Facebook gave his life so much meaning.”

Which is one reason why I set goals. Are you with me or am I the odd duck here that finds my natural state gravitates toward doing nothing…even if it is good for me, engaging or fun.

Workout?…Ughh…how about tomorrow.

Bible study? No…I will go next time.

Go out or to a play? Sounds fun…but I’m busy.

What is with that? I love all those activities and love doing them with friends and creating great memories…once I get there. But starting? Actually getting off the couch and taking off my warm blanket? Now that seems to be a huge mountain to climb.

But as we both analyze the data of our lives, don’t we find that instead of a mountain it is more like just taking the first few steps?

Just getting up.

Just starting.

Just hanging in there for the first few minutes.

Then it becomes, “Hey…this feels good! I’m glad I went for this walk.” Or laughing our head off with friends and saying “I’m so glad I came out tonight.”

So I set goals. They are my sword to attack life with zest and purpose and slay the enemy dragon that tries to sit on me and keep me immobilized on the couch.

What do you want? I have a desire to meet new friends. The ones on new TV shows don’t count so I signed up for a ping pong league that starts next week. Sure I am worried about getting slaughtered but I am going anyway. Yes I know I will face the obstacle every Wednesday for the next 6 weeks of “it’s too cold to go out and get in the car” but I am going anyway. Looking back at 52 years of life, I figure I have about a 97% chance of saying, “I’m glad I came. This is kind of fun!” How about you?

I have attached my goals below. Many people look at them and say “Well, I couldn’t do that!”or “That doesn’t interest me.” Good! You are not me. I am me. You are you. I share them with the intent that they will spark you to think of what you would have on your list. Maybe it is one goal. Maybe it is 3. Maybe it is 100. Do what matters to you and brings out your zesty best that we all know and love!

As for me, I am taking January on with a head of steam and reading the whole Bible in a month. Why? I want to know God. He has made himself known. If I trade 90 minutes of TV in a night which happens easily from 9:00-10:30pm, I can read 70 pages a day for 31 days and have 2,154 pages done by January 31. Is that hard? I wouldn’t say hard…more like consistent persistence toward a worthwhile goal.

Like I said, I like to watch TV, but this project is so much more live-giving and refreshing. I’m about half way and am just loving it! It is just a matter of turning the TV off , which is hard, and reading page 1, which also is hard, and then getting some steam and off I go. My rule is that I can’t go to bed until 70 pages are done.

What about you? Is it time for a little house-cleaning on some of your habits? What goal would:

bring out your best?

stretch and challenge you?

help connect you to God, family and friends in a more meaningful, intimate and fun way?

Our obituaries aren’t written yet! In God’s great strength and under his cover of wisdom, I encourage you to set some goals, track them and get them done. See what happens. Live on purpose with life and zest. Happy 2016!